Exciting News: New Pickleball Courts Coming to Independence Park in Johnson County
Pickleball enthusiasts in Johnson County have something to look forward to as new courts are set to be installed at Independence Park by 2025. The Johnson County Board of Commissioners has approved a bid of $304,880 for the construction of these courts, which will be located at 2100 S. Morgantown Road in Greenwood. The project has been awarded to All Star Paving and is scheduled to begin in March, with completion expected by May.
The funding for the pickleball courts will come from a portion of the county’s $31 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This funding will also support a bridge project connecting parking lots between the new county community corrections building and the sheriff’s training center in Franklin, with a budget not exceeding $350,000.
County attorney Adam Gadberry has confirmed that the bid from All Star Paving is under the project’s budget of $500,000. The complete construction contract is still being negotiated and has not yet been made available for review. The ARPA funds have been utilized for various county projects, including a new health department/coroner’s office and a behavioral health facility at Johnson Memorial Health.
The proposal for the pickleball courts was initially made in 2023, requesting $150,000 to cover half of the cost for eight courts. However, additional funding from the Johnson County Convention, Visitor, and Tourism Board did not materialize. The county is still considering the purchase of additional equipment, such as a canopy for shade.
With approximately $1.4 million of ARPA funds remaining, Johnson County will continue to evaluate further allocations. County commissioner Ron West highlighted the increasing demand for pickleball, citing a national growth rate of 30 to 40 percent annually.
The new pickleball courts at Independence Park will join a network of facilities in the region, including locations in Greenwood, Franklin, and Bargersville. Kevin Leonard, superintendent of Johnson County Parks and Recreation, expressed excitement about the new addition to Independence Park, noting the sport’s popularity and growth.
Pickleball’s broad appeal was emphasized by Ron West, who described it as fun and accommodating for people of all ages and genders. The sport’s popularity continues to rise, with new facilities being added to meet the demand. The new courts at Independence Park are sure to be a hit among pickleball enthusiasts in Johnson County.
